Monday, March 24, 2014

Like riding a bike....

The other day I was talking to a friend about agility and the fact that I was a little nervous about how it would be the first time back. She said it was like riding a bike, you don't really forget.

I didn't believe her. But this weekend it was exactly that way. It was easy. To run, to handle, to play with my dog. The only hard part was the new stuff, and being pushed outside my comfort zone. The rest was exactly like getting back on a bike after years of walking.

We attended a seminar focused on handling and although Leo was the most inexperienced dog there he did a great job! It was a great learning experience.

Saturday we front crossed, rear crossed, blind crossed, and ran an 12 obstacle course! Sunday we mostly blind crossed, with some fancy stuff thrown in for good measure. We ran together and were connected. And for the first time I saw "it" in him. You know that look that a dog gets at the start line. The excitement, the quivering, eager to go, looking ahead, ready. I saw it, and it made my heart flutter a bit.

The actual stuff we learned was hard. Challenging. And totally cool. This weekend taught me many things. Aside from some new handling options, I learned what type of warm up he needs, what he looks like when he needs a break, what his favorite toys are, what he needs from me in order to direct him around a course. I also learned that he has great distance and obstacle commitment, but is also a great launcher. Lol. I learned what I need to do to get him to turn right, and what I should do to create the best path for him.

It was a great weekend, and what we needed to kick start our training. I came home with a better understanding of how, and why. And more importantly it was a great experience for both us. For me to see how he will be in that sort of setting, and me to feel how it will be to be back. Now if only winter would take a hike so we can get going!!!!

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wicca

Wicca

Wicca was retired from dog sports when she was 8 years old. Always reckless, and crazy fast; Her body could not keep up anymore. Instead she is enjoying life as just a bossy little dog who rules the house, the yard, and pretty much anything of value.

Wicca is wild, intense, fast, driven, and a little on the crazy side. I love it all. She is everything I wanted in a dog and I couldn't be happier with her. She is my first Cardigan Welsh Corgi, and is NINE years old this year. We compete in Agility, Obedience, and Rally. We also play with sheep, and scenthurdle racing. She is a great little dog with tremendous heart and loves to be working. Wicca is the dog I always dreamed of. Mushy, I know. But True.

v

Vito

Vito is 8 years old and is a complete marshmallow. He is a Border Collie/Corgi cross that I adopted as a pup. He is the laziest of my dogs and would be content to lay around all day. He plays around on the agility field but is not a serious agility at all. Vito is a great house dog though and loves to snuggle. Despite his lack of...er...energy, he is a great little dog that I adore!

He has a few random agility Q's.

DOB: November 24, 2006

Boone RN AADC AGDC

Boone is an 11 year old Pyrenean Shepherd.....I got him in November of '07 and it has been quite the experience so far! He is very different and had some pretty major temperament problems to overcome. He has improved so much from when I first got him but will always have a few extra little quirks. :) Boone is a very silly little guy- he has a great sense of humour and really enjoys being with me. He loves to play and loves to learn new things. He has loads of enthusiasm, now we just need the focus!

Boone is retired from dogsports. Instead he is enjoying life as just a dog. ;)

pixel

Pixel came from Cornerstone Cardigans in Florida. She had a very long flight to get all the way to cold Canada. :)

She is a smart cookie, and is very much the thinker in the family. She has been a fun dog to train and trial. She is a happy dog who likes to do just about anything- obedience sure, agility sure, play fetch sure! She has been a fantastic addition to my household and I just adore her. Thank you So Much to Rita for letting me have her! Here is a link to her Sire, and her Dam.